Buzzin MotoGP

Casey Stoner - Ducati Marlboro 2009

The Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner is set to make his return to the MotoGP championship at Estoril in Portugal this weekend.

While recuperating over the past two-months, Casey has undergone a series of examinations and special tests with the results confirming that there was no abnormalities of cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological origins.  The tests also failed to find any kind of virus or infection.

The medical report of Stoner did reveal low blood pressure and a lack of sodium, which the doctors believe were the main causes of his physical problems.  It was also agreed that the after-effects of injuries and surgery over the past few years were the cause of his physical weakness and exhaustion.

The doctors confirmed that it was essential for the Australian to take time out of the championship in order to avoid aggravating his condition.

Last week, Stoner underwent his final medical examination before leaving Australia, with the doctors confirming that the rider is still not completely recovered despite him being in a better physical condition and with his weight back up to 60kg.

Although not in the peak of condition, Stoner will be back on track at Estoril under a new sodium-rich diet, to ride alongside his team-mate Nicky Hayden again.

Stoner said;

“I’m definitely looking forward to the race weekend. Having three races off is the biggest period away from racing in my life. It was very difficult to accept the advice of the doctors to stop racing. In the past I have raced even when injured, like in the last few races of the 2008 season when my wrist was broken, but this time it was really not possible and of course I felt very sorry for the team. Now I’m looking forward to getting back together with the team and everyone and I hope I’ll be able to be more competitive than I was in the past, but we will have to wait and see. The doctors have put me on some salt tablets to increase my sodium levels but we will have to see if it helps. We will understand more during the weekend. Of course it’s going to be difficult: at first we won’t know if it will work because I’ve been off the bike so long that in any case my muscles will take some time to get race fit again. But, as I said, I’m looking forward to getting back and to starting work on the bike, looking towards the future.”